Thursday, 17 December 2015

…so when Sophie from "La Navette aux Bijoux" contacted me to ask if I'd test-tat her pattern, I was happy to oblige. Isn't it nice? I like the play of chains in this celtic design and how they wind in and out of each other. She has made even prettier versions with beads but as I am very short on time, I tatted mine without and also to see how the size would work out as I didn't have the thread she recommends in the pattern. You should go see the beaded versions on her blog, they're beautiful.

Not sure what made me choose two shades of grey… I should have gone for something a bit more cheerful!! I definitely plan on trying it with beads too…. but when I have my Christmas presents done!

Sunday, 13 December 2015

The church clock is striking midnight as I write this. I really wanted to do the draw on Sunday as I'd said and I worried I'd run out of time! Phew. Where did the day go?? But we have a winner and thank you to everyone for taking part.

I'm making progress with my GIPs and have now completely finished the owl blanket (eyes, beaks and all) and have also today finished a pair of nice thick hiking socks and started another yesterday.

Going back to the tiny snowflakes of two posts ago, I'm really enjoying them and have made more. I particularly like this version (the regular rings and chains one) with one Swarovski crystal in the middle. Looks just great and a perfect tiny snowflake… especially when stiffened with a bit of diluted Sparkle Mod Podge. The 4mm crystal is just the right size for the snowflake and I do like the extra sparkle too.

Rather sweet, aren't they?

So if you're looking for a really quick little snowflake to make for cards or to decorate gifts, I hope you'll enjoy making this one. You do have to block it to get the nice snowflake shape: I pin mine to a little piece of cardboard with a blocking guide on it and leave it on the radiator for a short while. It doesn't take long really and the result is well worth it in my opinion.

Monday, 7 December 2015

… to you! Yes, it's that time of year again, time to share joy and happiness with family and friends. Well, I try to do that all year round but now is a good excuse for a little extra. I'm having a draw for one of my shuttles. All you need to do is to leave a comment to be entered.

I've chosen Holly & Wild Rose. I hope the winner will like it.

I think I will leave it a whole week and hold the draw on Sunday the 13th of December.

Then I can ship straight away on the following Monday,

hoping the winner will receive it in time for Christmas!

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who visits my blog for your comments throughout the year, I really appreciate it and all that I learn through our interactions.

I have started decorating the house and playing Christmas carols on the piano (I like to play the first one on the 1st of December)… I have also made our "Stollen" (a quarkstollen based on a recipe inherited from my mother-in-law who had it from a German friend a long long time ago). It's a favourite in our family and I always particularly get pleasure in seeing all the lovely ingredients in my huge Mason bowl.. all the fruits and nuts and lemon, and vanilla, and rhum… Mmmmm! Smells great even before you bake it.

On a last note, I'm starting to feel rushed now as I have many unfinished GIPs! (gifts-in-progress). Some of them are very nearly done but some I am just starting… how many days are there left??

I'm sure I'm not the only one and many of you are in the same boat, furiously knitting, crocheting or tatting away!

Here are some of my GIPs… plus some that are not even started yet!

I hope you are all enjoying your holiday preparations… and don't forget to leave a comment to be entered for the shuttle draw!